Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, is here with your Smackdown Live Recap Edition.
This week's Smackdown Live took place in our hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, where the Cleveland Cavs are NBA Champions and the Cleveland Indians just clinched a playoff appearance by dominating and taking the AL Central Division Championship. This week Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt continued their feud with each other. American Alpha, Heath Slater and Rhyno teamed up and battled The Ascension and The Usos in an eight man tag team match. Carmella and Nattie Neidhart teamed up and battled Naomi and Nikki Bella in tag team action. Dolph Ziggler makes a career decision to get one more match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship against The Miz. AJ Styles defended the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Dean Ambrose on the main event.
*** Smackdown Live ***
- Randy Orton Promo: Orton says it's ok to admit to be afraid of things, but Bray Wyatt refuses to admit he's afraid of Orton. Orton is tired of the sneak attacks and wants Bray in the ring now. The camera cuts backstage where Bray Wyatt is. Bray says that he makes the rules, if Orton wants to make a move on Bray than he better do it quick because the sands of time waits for no mortal man. Bray begins to sing "Whole World In His Hands" as Orton leaves the ring and runs backstage to look for Bray.
- Backstage, Dean Ambrose says beating John Cena last week is old news. This week it's all about facing AJ Styles and turning the face that runs the place into the guy that's gonna cry after Ambrose wins back the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
- "Eight Man Tag Team Match": American Alpha, Heath Slater and Rhyno vs. The Ascension and The Usos: The match closes out with Slater hot tagging, unloads on Jey Uso, takes out Viktor and gets a near fall neck breaker on Jey. Gable and Rhyno drop Konnor, but Rhyno gets hit with a Viktor uppercut. Jordan tosses Viktor to the floor as Slater gets a near fall rollup on Jey. Jimmy Uso plants an Uso Kick on Slater and then they beat on Slater's leg. Jimmy locks Slater in the single leg crab submission and forces Slater to tap out. Winners: The Usos and The Ascension, by submission.
- Backstage, John Cena says he'll be at ringside tonight for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose.
- Backstage, WWE Intercontinental Champion and hometown Clevelander The Miz is spotted photo shopping a picture of himself over a picture of LeBron James. Miz is planning a hometown celebration tonight.
- Backstage, Randy Orton is still in search of Bray Wyatt. Orton turns down a hallway and runs into Erick Rowan. Bray Wyatt appears in a different part of the arena and says Orton was never good at following directions.
- Carmella and Nattie Neidhart vs. Naomi and Nikki Bella: The match closes out with Carmella raking Nikki in the eyes and then kicks Naomi off the apron. Nikki traps Carmella in the corner and then drops Nattie with a right hand. Carmella catches Nikki on the distraction rolls her up and scores the pinfall. Winners: Carmella and Nattie Neidhart, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Randy Orton is still hunting Bray Wyatt. Orton finds a cut out cardboard figure of himself, finds a sheet with "Predator or Prey" written on it and again runs into Erick Rowan in a room.
- The Miz's Homecoming Celebration: Miz gets a mixed reaction from the fans. Miz mocks LeBron James and the fans and introduces his mom and dad in the front row. Miz mentions Dolph Ziggler's parents who are also from Cleveland and says they are probably embarrassed that they raised a loser. Ziggler arrives and tells Miz to enjoy his tainted title reign because Miz cheated last time they fought. Miz calls Ziggler a loser and how embarrassed Miz would be if he was Ziggler. Miz feels sorry for Ziggler, but mocks Ziggler for asking for title shots and refuses to give Ziggler another one unless he puts his career on the line. Just before Miz and Maryse leave, Ziggler stops them and agrees to put his career on the line against Miz for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Miz double checks that this is what Ziggler wants and agrees to the match at WWE No Mercy.
- Backstage, Bray Wyatt tells Randy Orton to be careful because he's watching.
- WWE Smackdown Live Women's Champion Becky Lynch heads to the ring, but gets jumped from behind and laid out by Alexa Bliss.
- Backstage, Bray Wyatt calls Randy Orton a coward. Erick Rowan is standing behind Bray with his sheep mask on. Rowan takes off his mask and reveals himself as Randy Orton. Orton attacks and chases off Bray. Orton puts the mask back on and laughs twisted.
- Backstage, AJ Styles says he's already beaten John Cena and Dean Ambrose. Tonight he'll beat Ambrose again and retain the title.
- "WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match": AJ Styles (c) vs. Dean Ambrose: John Cena was on commentary for this match. The match closes out with Ambrose chasing Styles around the ring outside. Ambrose hurts his leg and then catches a Styles running knee right to the head. Styles punches Cena at the commentary table and gets back in the ring. Cena hits the ring, but the referee holds Cena back. Ambrose rolls up Styles, but the referee is still occupied with Cena. Ambrose punches Cena for costing him a pinfall attempt. Styles rolls up Ambrose from behind, scores the pinfall and retains his championship. After the match, Cena and Ambrose argue with each other. Cena counters Dirty Deeds and drops Ambrose with an AA. Cena then catches Styles and plants him with an AA. Cena celebrates with the world title to end the show. Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall, to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
HOCKEY
2016 World Cup of Hockey Final: Team Canada vs. Team Europe (ESPN, 8pm)
NFL
Inside The NFL (Showtime, 9pm)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
A Season With Florida State Football (Showtime, 10pm)
======
WWE SmackDown Live (USA, 8pm)
The Voice (NBC, 8pm)
Dancing With The Stars (ABC, 8pm)
NCIS (CBS, 8pm)
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (FOX, 8pm)
New Girl (FOX, 8:30pm)
Scream Queens (FOX, 9pm)
Bull (CBS, 9pm)
Mad TV (The CW, 9pm)
Atlanta (FX, 10pm)
This Is Us (NBC, 10pm)
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (ABC, 10pm)
NCIS: New Orleans (CBS, 10pm)
Halt And Catch Fire (AMC, 10pm)
Aftermath (Syfy, 10pm)
Ink Master (Spike, 10pm)
Chopped (Food Network, 10pm)
Chrisley Knows Best (USA, 10pm)
Ridiculousness (MTV, 10pm, 10:30pm)
Drunk History (Comedy Central, 10:30pm)
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, is back with this week's RAW Recap Edition.
This week's RAW was live in Cincinnati, Ohio, one night after Clash Of Champions. What's next for the WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens as he came out victorious against Seth Rollins. RAW kicked off this week with newly crowned WWE United States Champion Roman Reigns defending the title in a rematch against Rusev. We found out what happens next after Sheamus and Cesaro's best of seven series match #7 went to a draw at Clash Of Champions. The New Day defend their WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship against Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson in a rematch from Clash Of Champions. Up and comer Anna Fields battled Bayley one on one. Rich Swann and Cedric Alexander battled LinceDorado and Drew Gulak in Cruiserweight Division tag team action. WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJ Perkins battled Tony Nese in a non title match. Chris Jericho has a new edition of the Highlight Reel with his good friend Kevin Owens as his special guest. Jericho and Owens then go on to meet Enzo and Big Cass in a tag team main event.
*** RAW ***
- "WWE United States Championship Match": Roman Reigns (c) vs. Rusev: The match closes out with Rusev landing a super kick on Reigns for a near fall. Reigns nails Rusev with the Superman Punch and gets a near fall. Lana tries to distract Reigns, but Reigns sends Rusev outside. Reigns charges and connects with the Drive By dropkick on Rusev. Reigns sends Rusev over the barricade, follows and brawls with Rusev in the crowd. The referee counts to ten and both men are counted out. After the match, Reigns goes for another Superman Punch, but Rusev jams a steel chair into Reigns' gut. Rusev lands another steel chair shot to the back of Reigns and both end up back in the ring. Rusev measures up Reigns, but gets taken out with a spear. Reigns sits in the chair and holds his title while looking down at Rusev. Reigns stands up and gets a steel chair shot in on Rusev, chasing Rusev from the ring. Winner: Double Countout
- Mick Foley Promo: Foley calls out Sheamus and Cesaro so he can address their match #7 draw from last night. Sheamus and Cesaro both arrive and immediately take verbal shots at each other on who the toughest superstar is. Both Sheamus and Cesaro feel they should be given a title shot for proving that they were the toughest. Foley interrupts the arguing and agrees with both Sheamus and Cesaro and feels they both deserve and will get a title shot. Foley then announces that Sheamus and Cesaro will get their title shot by teaming together and facing the winners of The New Day vs. The Club for the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship.
- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match": The New Day (c) vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson: The match closes out with Anderson dropping Big E with a top rope neck breaker. The Club plant Big E with the Magic Killer, but Kofi stops the pinfall. Gallows tosses Kofi outside and kicks Woods. Kofi hits a DDT on Anderson and Gallows gets tossed outside. Kofi hits Trouble In Paradise on Anderson and scores the pinfall to retain the titles.
Winners: The New Day, by pinfall, to retain the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship.
- A video of Stephanie McMahon and Triple H is shown of them leaving together at Clash Of Champions, raising suspicion that Stephanie knew about what Triple H had planned helping Kevin Owens.
- It's announced that Seth Rollins isn't cleared to wrestle due to the rib injury he suffered at Clash Of Champions.
- Backstage, Sheamus and Cesaro are arguing when Mick Foley interrupts. Foley says they are both assets and he can't risk losing them by fighting in an eighth match. So he decided to put them together and change the face of tag team wrestling. Foley says they are both amazing and to just give it a chance.
- Bayley vs. Anna Fields: The match closes out with Anna in control and looking for the upset on Bayley. Anna unloads on Bayley, but Bayley comes back and hits Bayley To Belly for the pinfall. After the match, Bayley gives props to Sasha Banks and Charlotte for their match at Clash Of Champions. Winner: Bayley, by pinfall.
- Backstage, Mick Foley questions Stephanie McMahon about leaving with Triple H at Clash Of Champions. Stephanie rips into Foley and tells him to worry about what goes on in the ring. Foley apologizes for getting out of line, but Stephanie says he needs to prove himself as the GM of RAW. Stephanie says he needs to start by stopping an uncleared to wrestle Seth Rollins from starting trouble.
- Rich Swann and Cedric Alexander vs. LinceDorado and Drew Gulak: The match closes out with Alexander hitting the Lumbar Check on Dorado, but Gulak comes in and hits a suplex on Alexander. Swann hits a super kick on Gulak right in the gut and gets a near fall rollup. Swann kicks Gulak in the mouth and then bridges Gulak for the pinfall. Winners: Rich Swann and Cedric Alexander, by pinfall.
- Cesaro and Sheamus vs. Nick Cutler and Willis Williams: Sheamus and Cesaro tease, mock and argue throughout the match. The match closes out with Cutler working on Cesaro's shoulder. Cesaro comes back and lays out Cutler. Sheamus and Cesaro begin to argue again until Cesaro finally covers Cutler for the pinfall. After the match, Sheamus and Cesaro both try to get their own cheers from the fans and argue with each other. Winners: Sheamus and Cesaro, by pinfall.
- Backstage, WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJ Perkins talks about living his dream when Brian Kendrick interrupts. Kendrick says Perkins owes him for his career and he owes him his title. Kendrick says that the next time they meet Kendrick is taking the title from Perkins.
- Charlotte Promo: Charlotte reminds us that she is the queen of the Women's Division and still the champion. Charlotte says she's the money maker and the face of the division. Sasha Banks interrupts, says Charlotte needs to slow her roll, the title belongs to Sasha and she wants her match now. Charlotte says she's going to give her a rematch.....but next week. Sasha lands a slap on Charlotte, drops Dana Brooke with a Back Stabber and then locks Dana in the Banks Statement. Charlotte breaks it up, but gets tossed outside by Sasha. Sasha grabs Dana and tosses her outside too to end the segment.
- Backstage, Mick Foley tells Seth Rollins he's not cleared to wrestle so he needs to leave. Rollins says nothing is stopping him from interrupting Chris Jericho's Highlight Reel with Kevin Owens and he saw Stephanie McMahon leave with Triple H at Clash Of Champions. Foley tries to give a rebuttal, but Rollins says Foley is reminding him of what Stephanie would say.
- TJ Perkins vs. Tony Nese: The match closes out with Nese countering a tornado DDT and dropping Perkins on the ropes. Nese plants a running knee on Perkins and gets a near fall. Perkins lands a drop kick on Nese and then hits the wrecking ball drop kick. Perkins traps Nese in the knee bar submission and forces Nese to tap out. Winner: TJ Perkins, by submission.
- Highlight Reel with Special Guest: Kevin Owens: Owens brags about defeating Seth Rollins at Clash Of Champions. Owens says he took out the man so that now makes Owens the man. Seth Rollins arrives, but immediately gets cut off by WWE Security and Mick Foley. Owens taunts Rollins as Rollins gets escorted out of the building. Enzo and Big Cass arrive and all four men take verbal shots at each other. Enzo is proud to announce that Foley made a tag match tonight between the four of them and it happens now.
- Enzo and Big Cass vs. Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho: The match closes out with Cass hitting the Empire Elbow on Owens and side slams Jericho. Cass misses a corner splash and then eats an Owens super kick. Owens misses the cannonball and Cass lands a big boot. Enzo and Cass go for the Rocket Launcher, but Jericho breaks it up and slaps Cass. Jericho gets tossed on the apron and then big booted to the floor by Cass. Enzo hits a top rope DDT for a near fall on Owens. Owens destroys Enzo with a clothesline and then scores the pinfall after the pop up power bomb. Owens and Jericho celebrate to end the show. Winners: Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho, by pinfall.
I’ve been a die hard Indians fan since I was 4 years old and attended my first Indians game on July 18th, 1995 when Albert Belle hit a grand slam off Lee Smith. I grew up only knowing the Indians because the Browns left and the Cavs were in the Pre-LeBron era. I grew up only knowing the Indians and having a Championship contending team. I would consider myself one of the rare Cleveland fans who would prefer an Indians World Series over a Browns Super Bowl.
The moment you took the job in 2013, I was excited to get someone with a Championship pedigree. I guess I would consider that year the “honeymoon” phase of my connection with you as my team’s manager. It was a magical year that got us into the Wild Card Playoff game that we would eventually lose to the Tampa Bay Rays. I was upset because I had tickets to go to Game 3 of the 2007 Division Series and I would finally attend my first Indians playoff game with my Dad, who has adopted my love for the game. I mean before me, my Dad wasn’t a baseball fan, but now he loves his Indians. I was upset that we weren’t going to have that moment and after a disappointing 2014 season, part of me doubted I would get another chance for some time.
I guess that’s what has made me so critical of the way you manage this team. Understand, I want nothing more than to see my Indians in the playoffs fighting for a World Series Championship every year. Last year, I saw a team that had what seemed to be a lost identity with a few good players like Brantley, Kluber, Salazar, Carrasco and Kipnis and a potential young star like Fransisco Lindor, but the direction of the team seemed foggy.
I started the year slating the Indians to finish in 4th Place in the AL Central. I had no faith in you as a manager, but I guess that’s where you thrive the best, when everyone counts you out. While I must give credit to Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff for bringing in guys like Andrew Miller, Mike Napoli, Rajai Davis, and even Dan Otero throughout the past year to play crucial roles for this team, it was you Tito who made all the pieces come together. Even though we struggled out of the gate, you made sure these players didn’t lose sight of the goal you had for them. We’ve had numerous injuries all year, players who struggled on the mound and while at times I’ve called your faith in players, “arrogance” there has always been a method to your madness.
From the moment this team really started to emerge as the AL Central frontrunner during their 14 game winning streak, you got them prepared for this moment to finally take back the AL Central crown for the first time since 2007 and last night, we finally got there. It took magical moments and comebacks along with strength and overcoming adversity to get this team to where they are today and for that Terry Francona, I’m man enough to admit I was wrong and…I’M SORRY.
Congratulations to the team and hopefully this is only the first step on one October Cleveland will not forget for a long, long time.
PS- Don’t think this doesn’t change me being critical of you in the future, Tito. But I gotta think you wouldn’t want to have it any other way…congrats Coach.
WWE Raw (USA, 8pm)
The Voice (NBC, 8pm)
Dancing With The Stars (ABC, 8pm)
Gotham (FOX, 8pm)
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 8pm)
Kevin Can Wait (CBS, 8:30pm)
Presidential Debate (All Networks, 9pm)
Mary and Jane (MTV, 10pm)
Loosely, Exactly Nicole (MTV, 10:30pm)
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the WWE Clash Of Champions recap from last night's show.
WWE Clash Of Champions was live at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The show was live on the WWE Network, but if you missed the show than that's where I come in and deliver you the recap. Every single RAW represented title was on the line plus a few other matches thrown in. Just exactly who walked out champion? Continue reading and find out for yourself.
** Pre-Show **
- Backstage, Sasha Banks says tonight she becomes a two time WWE RAW Women's Champion and payback will be punching Charlotte in the face. Dana Brooke interrupts and says Charlotte will injure Sasha permanently tonight. Sasha doesn't understand why Dana still sides with Charlotte do to how she's treated. Sasha then promises to put Dana on the DL.
- Backstage, Sami Zayn runs down his accomplishments, from winning the NXT World Championship, to wrestling at Wrestlemania and to finally beating Kevin Owens at Battleground. Zayn says his best day will be beating Owens for the WWE Universal Championship and tonight he wants the old on top of his game Chris Jericho for their match.
- Nia Jax vs. Alicia Fox: The match closes out with Alicia escaping a half nelson chin lock by kicking Nia in the face. Alicia hits a back elbow, a series of elbows and a leaping knee. Nia dumps Alicia on the apron, but Alicia hits a stunner. Alicia hits a top rope cross body for a near fall on Nia and then hits a scissors kick for another near fall. Nia splashes Alicia and then hits the corner stink face. Nia plants Alicia with a Samoan Drop and scores the pinfall, staying undefeated on the main roster. Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall.
** WWE Clash Of Champions **
- "WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship Match": The New Day (c) vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson: The match closes out with Anderson getting a near fall spine buster on Kofi. Gallows counters a Kofi SOS with a choke slam for a near fall. Kofi sends Gallows outside and hits Trouble In Paradise on Anderson. Big E tags in and hits the Big Ending on Anderson for a near fall. Kofi hits a springboard back elbow on Gallows outside. The referee gets distracted allowing Woods to hit Anderson in the face with his trombone. Kofi and Big E hit the Midnight Hour on Anderson and score the pinfall. Winners: The New Day, by pinfall, to retain the WWE RAW World Tag Team Championship.
- "WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match": TJ Perkins (c) vs. Brian Kendrick: The match closes out with Perkins hitting a wrecking ball drop kick and then goes for the 450 splash. Kendrick rolls out of the way and goes for the Bully Choke submission. Perkins counters out and locks in a knee bar submission. Kendrick escapes and hits Slice Bread on Perkins for a near fall. Perkins connects with a side kick on Kendrick and reapplies the knee bar. Kendrick eventually taps out and Perkins retains the title. After the match, Perkins and Kendrick shake hands what looks to be respectfully, but Kendrick turns heel and connects with a headbutt on Perkins. Winner: TJ Perkins, by submission, to retain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.
- "Best of Seven Series, Match #7": Sheamus vs. Cesaro: The match closes out with Cesaro hitting a leaping uppercut and follows that with a drop kick sending Sheamus to the apron. Sheamus dumps Cesaro on the apron and then misses a flying axe handle off the top rope as Cesaro counters with a uppercut in mid-air. Sheamus hits White Noise on Cesaro, but Cesaro comes back and sends Sheamus into the ring post. Cesaro hits a clothesline and he and Sheamus flip over the barricade and into the crowd. Sheamus and Cesaro are both knocked out forcing the referee to stop the match. Sheamus gets helped to the back by WWE Medical as Cesaro comes to and wants to keep fighting. Winner: No Contest
- Chris Jericho vs. Sami Zayn: The match closes out with Zayn countering the Lionsault by getting his knees up. Zayn then counters a tiger suplex with a tornado DDT for a near fall. Zayn goes for the Helluva Kick, but Jericho rolls outside. Zayn hits a corner tornado DDT and then goes for the Helluva Kick again. Jericho ducks and goes for the Code Breaker. Zayn counters and hits an exploder suplex on Jericho. Zayn again attempts the Helluva Kick, but Jericho counters with the Walls Of Jericho submission. Zayn slips out and gets a near fall rollup up on Jericho. Jericho goes for a top rope flying axe handle, but Zayn counters with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a near fall. Jericho catches Zayn with a snapping Code Breaker and scores the pinfall. Winner: Chris Jericho, by pinfall.
- "WWE RAW Women's Championship, Triple Threat Match": Charlotte (c) vs. Sasha Banks vs. Bayley: The match closes out with Charlotte hitting a double moonsault for a near fall. Charlotte hits Natural Selection on Sasha, but Sasha comes back and traps Charlotte in the Banks Statement submission. Dana Brooke reaches in and pulls Charlotte outside to safety. Bayley gets a near fall rollup on Sasha. Sasha counters Bayley To Belly and shoves Bayley in the corner. Sasha knocks out Dana Brooke on the apron and traps Charlotte in the Banks Statement submission. Bayley breaks it up, but gets trapped in the Banks Statement submission next. Charlotte breaks it up and sends Sasha back first into the outside barricade. Bayley gets a near fall rollup on Charlotte. Charlotte hits a big boot on Bayley, who crashes into Sasha, sending Sasha flying out of the ring. Charlotte hits another big boot on Bayley and scores the pinfall to retain the title. Winner: Charlotte, by pinfall, to retain the WWE RAW Women's Championship.
- "WWE United States Championship Match": Rusev (c) vs. Roman Reigns: The match closes out with Reigns hitting the Superman Punch for a near fall. Lana gets on the apron for the distraction and allows Rusev to get a near fall axe kick on Reigns. Rusev unloads a series of kicks on Reigns and then goes for The Accolade submission. Reigns blocks it and gets a near fall spear on Rusev, as Lana pulled the referee out of the ring before three. The referee wasn't having it so he ejected Lana from ringside. Reigns hits the Drive By dropkick on Rusev and then another Drive By drop kick on the announcers table. Reigns goes for the spear, but Rusev counters and plants a thrust kick on Reigns for a near fall. Rusev traps Reigns in The Accolade submission, but Reigns powers out of the submission. Rusev pokes Reigns in the eyes and shoves Reigns into the corner. Reigns charges out, drills Rusev with the spear and scores the pinfall to win the title. Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall, to win the WWE United States Championship.
- "WWE Universal Championship Match": Kevin Owens (c) vs. Seth Rollins: The match closes out with Rollins hitting a flying knee on Owens and then gets a near fall frog splash. Chris Jericho arrives at ringside and immediately distracts Rollins. Owens lands a kick on Rollins and then lands a near fall side slam. Rollins tosses Owens into Jericho and then gets a near fall Pedigree on Owens, after Jericho placed Owens' foot on the bottom rope. Rollins chases Jericho and then counters an Owens Pop Up Power Bomb, but takes out the referee on accident.
Owens plants a super kick on Rollins as Jericho gets in the ring and attacks Rollins. Rollins fights back, tosses Jericho outside and then hits a suicide dive on Jericho. Rollins tosses Owens outside and then hits a suicide dive on Owens. Stephanie McMahon arrives with another referee just as Owens attacks Rollins and hits the Pop Up Power Bomb to score the pinfall and retain the title. Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall, to retain the WWE Universal Championship.
The Browns had many opportunities to win this game but their kicker basically blew the game for them like the Warriors blew their 3-1 lead in the 2016 NBA Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Who, by the way, start up preseason this week)
There was lot of good in this game, considering the week the Browns had on the injury front. And all credit goes to Hue Jackson and his coaching staff for putting a really good game plan together. This game made me a believer in Hue Jackson.
The Good
First, the offense played really well under rookie quarterback Cody Kessler. Kessler was 21/33 for 244 yards and only had one turnover which was fumble on the first drive. Kessler did exactly what he was suppose to do. He managed the game extremely well.The play calling was conservative at times with a lot of slant routes and three step drops but it played to Kessler's strengths Yes, it started out shaky with the two fumbles but he settled down and got into a really nice rhythm. This game by Kessler left me wanting to see more of him, which is a win in my book...and more importantly the Browns coaching staffs' book.
Second, the running game has returned to Cleveland. The Browns averaged 5.3 yards per rushing attempt. Isaiah Crowell ran for 79 yards on 15 rushes, Duke Johnson had 69 yards on 10 rushes, and Terrelle Pryor had 21 yards on 4 rushes and a touchdown. It was surprising to see how well the Browns could run the ball with the Dolphins stacking the box. The running game under Hue Jackson is starting to compare to the Bengals. With Crowell being the "bell cow back" (compared to Jeremy Hill) and Johnson is the "third down scat back" (compared to Gio Bernard).
Third, the Browns rush defense was really good...well besides the last play of the game. Danny Shelton has grown leaps and bounds since last year. Shelton consistently drew double teams during running plays. Another plus was Christian Kirksey. He ended up with 9 total tackles which was only second to Jordan Poyer who had 13 total tackles. Kirksey played well not just in the run defense but in pass defense. Kirksey is ranked as one of the best coverage linebackers in the NFL.
Last, but certainly not least, Terrelle Pryor. Pryor was unbelievable. He wasn't just a threat on the ground but he threw the ball too. He was 3/5 for 35 yards...and oh the actual position he played wide receiver he had eight receptions for 144 yards. Pryor is one of the best athletes in the NFL and was the best player on the field Sunday. Pryor is the heart and soul of this team and you can tell how much he wants to win. Sunday he did everything in his power to do that.
The "Meh"
The Offensive line was solid. Now to be fair they would have been part of the good, but Austin Pasztor might be the worst right tackle in the NFL. He had five or six penalties which resulted in over 30 lost yards. Now the Offensive line did give up three sack and I believe two of them were given up on the right side of the line. Now to the positive of the pass protection. Kessler was given ample time in the pocket to go through his progressions. The entire line besides Pasztors played really well.
Greco, who was playing center for the first time since 2014, didn't have a good start with the errant snap on the first drive. But after that he was a key cog in the pass protection and the run blocking. Another guy who should get some credit is Alvin Bailey who started at right guard with Greco at center. Bailey was a starting o-lineman for Seattle the past few years. Bailey isn't really known for his pass protection but he is a monster in the run game. He was a huge factor in the Browns ability to run the ball for 5.3 yards per attempt.
The last "Meh" was the Browns pass defense which includes the pass rush. Yes they forced two interceptions and a fumble but they did give up 300 yards with Jarvis Landry going for 120 yards and seven catches. Now the secondary was without two of their starters (Joe Haden and Ibraheim Campbell) and they played well at times, But it seemed like the Browns struggled with getting to Ryan Tannehill. The time few time they did, it resulted in a fumble and an interception by Briean Boddy-Calhoun who returned it for a touchdown. The down on the secondary was they couldn't cover the crossing route which is how Landry got most of his yards and his touchdown. The Dolphins ran the crossing route multiple times and each time it seemed the Browns had no answer for it. Now without reviewing the tape I'm a bit unsure what defense was called on those plays and to blame the play calling or the youth of the secondary.
The "Ugly"
*Note Austin Pasztor should be part of the Ugly but the o-line group played well as a whole...and that is how we should judge and offensive line.
THE UGLY is the kicker Cody Parkey. Parkey, a former PRO-BOWLER, missed THREE field goals...yes THREE including the potential game winning field goal from 48 yards. This was the worst kicking game I've ever seen. I get it, the kicker was just signed on Friday and didn't have any rhythm with the long snapper and holder but the guy missed THREE KICKS!!!! Kickers have one job, and he failed. I have a feeling he's gonna get fired on his day off.
Sunday MVP
Terrelle Pryor and this one is pretty easy. When you have 200 total yards and make history while doing it you're the real MVP. He literally did everything he could to win this game. His performance is everything you want in a Cleveland Brown.
This is another one of those win-win games for the Browns. A lot of good teaching moments along with a lot of great performances. In hindsight we might look back on this game and be glad we lost. Usually these are one of the four game we win a year that end up messing up our draft position.
This game was an emotional roller coaster but we did learn this team has heart and won't give up...and Hue Jackson is a damn good Head Coach.
SOCCER
MLS: Seattle Sounders FC @ Los Angeles Galaxy (ESPN, 4pm)
MLS: New England Revolution @ Columbus Crew SC (FOX Sports 1, 7pm)
NWSL: Houston Dash vs. Seattle Reign FC (FOX Sports 1, 9:30pm)
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Bob's Burgers, PREMIERE (FOX, 7:30pm)
Once Upon A Time, PREMIERE (ABC, 8pm)
The Simpsons, PREMIERE (FOX, 8pm)
Son of Zorn (FOX, 8:30pm)
NCIS: Los Angeles, PREMIERE (CBS, 8:30pm)
Secrets and Lies, PREMIERE (ABC, 9pm)
Family Guy, PREMIERE (FOX, 9pm)
Fear The Walking Dead (AMC, 9pm) Power, SEASON FINALE (STARZ, 9pm) The Last Man On Earth, PREMIERE (FOX, 9:30pm)
Quantico, PREMIERE (ABC, 10pm) Ballers, SEASON FINALE (HBO, 10pm)
Masters of Sex (Showtime, 10pm) Survivor's Remorse, SEASON FINALE (STARZ, 10pm)
Talking Dead (AMC, 10pm)
The Strain (FX, 10pm)
High Maintenance (HBO, 10:40pm)
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO, 11:15pm)
Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE brings you the Weekend 3 Count. W3C brings you wrestling news, rumors and recaps from around the wrestling world. You'll find news and recaps involving WWE, NXT, TNA, ROH, Lucha Underground, GFW, NJPW, House of Hardcore and any Indy promotion that I find an interesting story or a cool discovery in. Be sure to check out the W3C every Sunday at @TripleThreatCLE.
*** WWE ***
- WWE Wants Matt Hardy: One of this week's major stories in the WWE is Matt Hardy, who is currently on the WWE's radar. According to The Wrestling Observer, WWE is reportedly interested in signing top TNA star Broken Matt Hardy, and the report notes Triple H has already sent out feelers to the former WWE star via Hardy’s intermediaries. Hardy, however, currently has creative control of his character in TNA, and is doing well for himself as he sets his own schedule on the independent scene. The Broken Matt Hardy character has been one of Hardy's best gimmicks to date and has even gotten WWE fans to take notice as they've chanted Hardy's "Delete" chant at numerous live shows.
- Dana Brooke Push Coming: Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer recently stated that the WWE is in a current position to give Dana Brooke a good push soon. WWE currently has Dana as Charlotte's protector of her WWE RAW Women's Championship. Meltzer stated that we should expect Dana to finally get fed up with be physically and emotionally abused by Charlotte, make the face turn soon and feud with Charlotte.
- Luke Harper Update: Harper has been officially cleared to return to the ring and is being advertised locally for several up and coming Raw brand live events, which could be an indicator that Harper will be apart of RAW.
- Summer Rae Update: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that Summer Rae, who's yet to return since being drafted to RAW in July, is currently dealing with back and elbow issues. There is currently no time frame on when she'll return.
- Devon Dudley Working For WWE: There have been rumors that Devon Dudley could be returning to the WWE in a backstage role, possibly as an agent. Devon and his best friend and tag team partner Bubba Ray Dudley currently own the Team 3D Wrestling Academy in Kissimmee, Florida.
- Future Possible Tournaments: With the highly successful WWE Cruiserweight Classic Tournament concluding last week, WWE may be going back to the well for other possible tournament ideas. WWE have stated that four ideas are possible tournament plans in the future.
1.) WWE Women's Tournament. This would showcase different women throughout the world as well as talent in WWE and NXT.
2.) WWE Tag Team Tournament. This would showcase different tag teams throughout the world and in WWE and NXT.
3.) No Weight Limit Tournament: This would showcase any and all talent throughout the world and in WWE and NXT.
4.) King Of The Ring. WWE has consistently dropped the ball with the victor of the KOTR tournament the past few years (King Sheamus and King Barrett). But showcasing wrestlers throughout the world and taking the KOTR tournament seriously could be huge.
- Sting Wants The Undertaker: Although Sting officially announced his retirement after being inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame, Sting is still holding out for that dream match against The Undertaker. Sting was interviewed recently and stated that he can still go one more match because he hasn't had his neck surgery yet. The doctors have ok'ed the decision but have said that once Sting has the surgery his career will officially be over. Sting has chosen to hold off on the surgery in hopes of finally getting The Undertaker at Wrestlemania.
- Buckle Bomb Getting Banned: WWE recently stated that they are in the beginning stages of possibly banning Seth Rollins' Buckle Bomb move. Rollins cost Sting his career with a neck injury last year performing the move and also injured Finn Balor's shoulder at Summer Slam last month performing the move. This would be Rollins' second move being banned, as they banned Rollins' Curb Stomp finisher a few years back, after WWE chose to eliminate moves that could cause a concussion if not performed right. WWE also have, steel chair shots to the head, the Piledriver and Randy Orton's Punt Kick currently on the banned list.
- Possible New Faction Coming: The Wrestling Observer recently stated that the WWE could have a possible new stable coming in 2017. According to the Wrestling Observer, there is a stable being discussed with Dolph Ziggler to be the leader and it involving amateur wrestlers only in the faction. Right now WWE is looking at calling them The Shooters Club and it including Ziggler, Shelton Benjamin and Jack Swagger, as all three have amateur wrestling backgrounds. The group will be very similar to The Varsity Club stable in the 80's WCW era, which helped put over Rick Steiner, Mike Rotunda, Steve Williams, Kevin Sullivan, and Dan Spivey.
- New Cruiserweight Signed: According to PWInsider.com, WWE has signed Cruiserweight Classic competitor Lince Dorado. Dorado will be working Raw Cruiserweight Division matches and some live events. Dorado made it to the second round of the WWE Cruiserweight Classic before being eliminated.
- Clash of Champions Recap: As always if you can't catch WWE Clash of Champions tonight, check out Triple Threat CLE on Monday afternoon and I will provide you with the full show recap.
*** NXT ***
- Scott Dawson Injury: One half of the NXT World Tag Team Champions Scott Dawson appeared to be sporting an injury this week. Dawson appeared at an NXT house show in Minneapolis, Minnesota on crutches. It's unknown at this time if it's a leg or knee injury.
- Seth Petruzelli Debut: Former MMA fighter and current trainer at the WWE Performance Center Seth Petruzelli is training for his pro wrestling debut and working at the Team Vision Dojo in Orlando. It's unknown when Petruzelli will make his official debut on TV.
*** TNA ***
- TNA Recap: This week on Impact we found out who advanced to the Finals in the TNA Grand Championship tournament. Bobby Lashley and Mike Bennett battled Ethan Carter and Moose in the main event.
-- "TNA Grand Championship Tournament Match": Drew Galloway vs. Eddie Edwards: The match goes all three rounds. Galloway wins by judges decision, to advance to the Finals.
-- Drew Galloway cuts a promo. Says he was TNA's main soldier, but everyone turned on him. Galloway plans to win the TNA Grand Championship at Bound For Glory. Ethan Carter interrupts. Galloway says EC3 gets special treatment and knows that Bobby Lashley will beat EC3 at Bound For Glory. Bobby Lashley interrupts and heads to the ring. Mike Bennett suddenly attacks EC3 from behind. Bennett and Lashley beat down EC3. Moose hits the ring to even the odds. EC3 and Moose both end up laid out with a Lashley spear.
-- TNA Knockouts Champion Maria Bennett is planning a public workout tonight to prove she's better than Gail Kim.
-- Mike Bennett tries to become friends with Bobby Lashley and asks for a future TNA World Heavyweight Championship match. Lashley takes full credit for the EC3 and Moose beat down earlier and trash talks Bennett.
-- "TNA Grand Championship Tournament Match": Aron Rex vs. Eli Drake: Rex hits The Revelator on Drake in Round 3 to score the pinfall. Rex advances to the Finals.
-- Vanguard One spies on The Decay, plotting for their match against The Hardy's at Bound For Glory.
-- Aron Rex and Drew Galloway go face to face and both claim they will win the TNA Grand Championship.
-- A video package airs and shows that Cody Rhodes will be debuting with TNA at Bound For Glory.
-- The Decay cut a promo. The Decay plan to destroy the Hardy Legacy, they won't fear The Great War, they will embrace it. Broken Matt Hardy appears in the crowd and promises The Decay's tag title reign will be deleted. Brother Nero Jeff Hardy appears in another section of the crowd and promises The Decay will become obsolete. Rosemary says they are still outnumbered 3-2. The lights go out and return on with Abyss and Steve tied up and Reby Sky standing behind Rosemary. Reby attacks Rosemary and chases her from the ring.
-- TNA X Division Champion DJ Z cuts a promo. DJ Z wants to be a fighting champion so he issues an open challenge. Trevor Lee and Andrew Everrett come out together and Lee accepts the challenge.
-- "TNA X Division Championship Match": DJ Z (c) vs. Trevor Lee: DJ Z hits a hurricanrana on Lee and then the DDZ to score the pinfall. After the match, Lee and Everett attack DJ Z. Eddie Edwards makes the save and helps DJ Z clear the ring. Edwards asks for a title shot and DJ Z accepts.
-- Maria Bennett's Public Workout: Maria says she's the greatest TNA Knockouts Champion of all time. Allie tries to announce Maria's opponent, but Maria tells her to shut up and stand in the corner, as Maria's unknown opponent enters the ring. The referee gets distracted, allowing Sienna to choke out Maria's opponent. Maria then scores the easy pinfall. Maria demands another opponent, but Allie only got the one for her. A masked woman appears and challenges Maria. Maria insults Allie some more and the masked woman reveals herself as Gail Kim. Gail goes for Eat Defeat on Maria, but Sienna makes the save. Maria escapes as Sienna gets laid out with Eat Defeat.
-- Bobby Lashley and Mike Bennett vs. Ethan Carter and Moose: EC3 counters Miracle In Progress and pins Bennett with a sunset flip. After the match, all four men brawl, Moose and EC3 take out TNA Security trying to separate them and then the TNA Locker Room empties out trying to separate everyone. TNA President Billy Corgan arrives and announces Lethal Lockdown next week with Lashley and EC3 being captains. Which ever team wins gets to pick the stipulation for their World Title match at Bound For Glory.
- Brandi Rhodes Signs: TNA officially announced the signing of Brandi Rhodes to the company. Rhodes is the wife of Cody Rhodes and was former ring announcer Eden in the WWE. This is a no brainer considering TNA just signed Cody Rhodes.
- My Thoughts On The Cody Rhodes Signing: My opinion, this is huge for TNA who have recently just come off of the signing of Aron Rex (Damian Sandow). Rhodes was destined to be a star in the WWE, but poor management and a dumb gimmick sidelined Rhodes from hitting his full potential. TNA can do one of two things with Rhodes right now. #1. Reunite Rhodes with his former WWE tag team partner Aron Rex and throw in Cody's wife Brandi as their manager/tag team partner and push them in major title matches. This could obviously lead to a future feud possibly over the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. #2. Just go all in on Rhodes now and give him the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. Rhodes honestly has proven enough of himself in the WWE to the point where TNA really doesn't need to build Rhodes up in the company. Smart booking would say to have Rhodes take the title from who ever wins the Bobby Lashley vs. Ethan Carter match at Bound For Glory. One thing is for sure, after meeting Rhodes personally, which you can read that story below, I'm hoping for nothing but the best for Cody Rhodes.
- TNA Interested In Paige: Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that while Paige was having her issues with WWE during her 30 day suspension, TNA was trying to get Paige to sign with them after Paige was cleared from all WWE contracts. Paige has since settled her issues with the WWE and plans to return to them and finish out her contract which goes till April of 2019.
*** RING OF HONOR *** - ROH TV Recap: This week the backstory and war between War Machine, Shane Taylor and Keith Lee heats up.
-- Steve Corino returned and sits back in at commentary with Kevin Kelly.
-- The Cabinet vs. The Guerrillas of Destiny: Tonga hits a modified superman punch on Rhett Titus. GOD hit their double team finisher Guerilla Warfare and score the pinfall.
-- Jay Lethal cuts a promo. Lethal wants to defeat his former friend Tetsuya Naito before going back after the ROH World Championship.
-- Shane Taylor cuts a promo. Taylor says Ray Rowe of War Machine trained him, but then turned his back on him for stardom. It has now become his mission to destroy Rowe and Hanson.
-- Shane Taylor and Keith Lee vs. Ken Phoenix and Ricardo Rojas: Lee power bombs Phoenix and Taylor hits a splash to score the pinfall.
-- Shane Taylor and Keith Lee cut a promo. Taylor and Lee call out War Machine and War Machine arrive. Ray Rowe gives his side of the story about Shane Taylor. Rowe claims to have trained, fed, given shelter and took care of Taylor, but Taylor turned his back on Rowe. War Machine hit the ring and we get an impromptu match.
-- War Machine vs. Shane Taylor and Keith Lee: All four men brawl around ringside. Rowe goes for a suicide dive, but Taylor baseball bat swings a steel chair and connects on Rowe. Hanson grabs a steel chair and unloads on Taylor. The referee throws the match out as a double DQ. After the match, Hanson gets laid out. Taylor and Lee then power bomb Rowe through two set up steel chairs.
-- The Addiction and Kamaitachi vs. Kazuchika Okada and Roppongi Vice: All six men brawl in the end. Kaz and Daniels hit the Meltzer Driver on Romero and score the pinfall. The ROH World Tag Team Championship, Triple Threat, Ladder Match at All Star Extravaganza is hyped to end the show.
- Bull James Debuts: Former NXT up and comer Bull Dempsey made his ROH debut this week at a house show in Lockport, New York. Dempsey is now wrestling under the ring name Bull James.
** ROH All Star Extravaganza Card **
Next Friday, September 30th, Ring of Honor returns with ROH All Star Extravaganza 8. I'll have the full recap of the show for you next Sunday in the Weekend 3 Count.
- "ROH World Championship Match": Adam Cole (c) vs. Michael Elgin
- "ROH Television Championship Match": Bobby Fish (c) vs. Donovan Dijak
- "ROH World Tag Team Championship, Triple Threat Ladder Match": The Addiction (c) vs. The Motor City Machine Guns vs. The Young Bucks
- "ROH Six Man Tag Team Championship Tournament Match": The Briscoes and Toru Yano vs. ACH, Lio Rush and Jay White
- Dragon Lee vs. Kamaitachi
- Jay Lethal vs. Tetsuya Naito
*** Lucha Underground ***
- Lucha Underground TV Recap: On tonight's show Dario Cueto uses the Dial Of Doom wheel to determine a #1 contender for tonight's Lucha Underground Championship match.
-- Rey Mysterio is training Dragon Azteca, getting him ready for a future confrontation with Pentagon Dark. Chavo Guerrero interferes, takes Dragon down to the mat in an arm bar and says maybe he should teach Dragon about Le Famiglia Guerrero. Chavo releases Dragon and leaves.
-- Dario Cueto spins the Dial of Doom wheel and it lands on The Mack.
-- "Lucha Underground Championship": Matanza Cueto (c) vs. The Mack: The Mack misses a frog splash as Cueto gets his knees up. Cueto hits the Wrath of The Gods on Mack and gets the victory, to retain the championship.
-- Johnny Mundo demands Dario Cueto to spin the wheel again because he wants his chance. Cueto instead offers Mundo a Lucha Underground Trios Championship match tonight. Mundo refuses and walks out. Taya says she'll be Mundo's replacement if he doesn't want it. Cueto accepts the offer.
-- "Ultimate Opportunity Match": Cage vs. Texano: Cage hits the 360 Discus Lariat on Texano for the pinfall. After the match, Dario Cueto announces that he failed to mention that this was a best of five series, so no reward for Cage just yet.
-- Dario Cueto looks at pictures in an envelope then tosses them in the garbage as El Dragon Azteca interrupts. Azteca wants a match with Pentagon. Cueto says no and instead wants Azteca to face Black Lotus. Ricky Mandel interrupts next asking Dario Cueto for a future match. Cueto gives Mandel the pictures he threw in the garbage because Mandel thinks they're cool. Chavo Guerrero interrupts next and needs to talk to Cueto privately.
-- "Lucha Underground Trios Championship Match": Fenix, Aerostar and Drago (c) vs. PJ Black, Jack Evans and Taya: A six person brawl breaks out all around ringside. Aerostar hits a hurricanrana and a jumping Code Breaker to score the pinfall, to retain the titles. After the match, Johnny Mundo hits the ring and helps beat down the champions. Sexy Star hits the ring to even things at 4-4. The face team end up clearing the ring.
-- Rey Mysterio tells Dario Cueto that El Dragon Azteca isn't ready for Pentagon. Cueto agrees and says he is giving Dragon a match with Chavo Guerrero instead and the winner gets Pentagon. Cueto also throws out the surprise that Rey will be the guest referee.
*** NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING ***
*** Destruction in Hiroshima Recap ***
-- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Satoshi Kojima, Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Ricochet vs. Togi Makabe, Yoshitatsu and Captain New Japan: Kojima, Tenzan and Ricochet win by pinfall. After the match, Yoshitatsu still shows anger toward Captain New Japan for losing again.
-- "Eight Man Tag Team Match": ReDRagon, David Finlay and Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Yuji Nagata, Tomoaki Honma, Manabu Nakanishi and Tiger Mask IV: Kyle O'Reilly hits Chasing The Dragon on Tiger Mask to score the pinfall.
-- Guerrillas of Destiny vs. Roppongi Vice: Romero goes for the springboard, but gets laid out with the Gun Stun. GOD hit their double team DDT finisher and score the pinfall.
-- The Bullet Club (Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi) vs. Tomohiro Ishii and Hirooki Goto: Ishii and Goto take the match after pinning Owens.
-- "Eight Man Tag Team Match": Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, SANADA and BUSHI) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Michael Elgin, KUSHIDA and Juice Robinson: Elgin gets attacked and taken out with a chair shot to the knee. Elgin limps back out later in the match and scores the pinfall with the Elgin Bomb on EVIL.
-- "IWGP Tag Team Championship Match": The Briscoe Brothers (c) vs. The Young Bucks: The Young Bucks survive the Jay Driller and a Splash Mountain/neck breaker combo for near falls. The Briscoe's, however, finally finish off The Bucks with the Doomsday Device, to score the pinfall and retain the titles. After the match, the Guerrillas of Destiny hit the ring, beat down The Briscoes and leave them laid out.
-- "ROH World Championship Match": Adam Cole (c) vs. Will Ospreay: Cole lands a super kick, a Canadian Destroyer and then finishes off Ospreay with the Last Shot to score the pinfall and retain the championship.
-- Bad Luck Fale vs. Kazuchika Okada: Okada defeats Fale by pinfall in a near 20 minute match.
-- "#1 Contender’s Match": Kenny Omega vs. YOSHI-HASHI: Omega put his G1 #1 contenders match on the line in this match. YOSHI-HASHI gets a near fall after hitting Omega with the Loose Explosion. YOSHI-HASHI also comes close to making Omega tap out twice with a butterfly lock. Omega hits the One Winged Angel and scores the pinfall, retaining his #1 Contendership. After the match, Goto trash talks Omega. Omega reminds Goto that he already beat him in the G1 Tournament last month.
- Katsuyori Shibata Injury: NJPW ended up pulling IWGP NEVER Openweight Champion Katsuyori Shibata from the last two Destruction Tour events this week. Shibata was pulled due to complications with a spinal injury. No word on how serious the injury is at this time.
- New Bullet Club Merchandise: The Bullet Club have recently released a new shirt you can purchase at NJPW. The Bullet Club have become one of the most popular factions in the wrestling world today after starting out in Japan.
*** House Of Hardcore ***
Tommy Dreamer's HOH returned last weekend in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Tommy Dreamer battled Broken Matt Hardy in the main event.
-- Robbie E vs. Lance Anoa’i: Robbie scores the pinfall, after Anoa’i misses a frog splash and Robbie rolls up Anoa’i with a handful of tights.
-- Robbie E cuts a promo. Robbie says he's the greatest wrestler in HOH history. Santino Marella interrupts and offers a handshake. Robbie slaps Marella's hand away so Marella hits Robbie with The Cobra.
-- "Triple Threat Elimination Match": Alex Reynolds vs. Pat Buck vs. John Silver: Silver eliminates Buck, by pinfall, with a lung blower. Reynolds scores the pinfall on Silver to win the match.
-- Terry Funk cuts a promo: Tommy Dreamer intros his wrestling idol, Terry Funk. Funk thanks the Philadelphia fans, says they are the best and he'd never leave the ring if he was allowed to never leave it.
-- "Six Man Tag Team Match": Vik Dalishus, TJ Marconi, and Eddie Kingston vs. Team Tremendous (Dan Barry and Bill Carr) and Connor Braxton: Carr hits the Canadian Destroyer on Dalishus. Kingston hits Dalishus with a back fist to the head and scores the pinfall. Due to the loss and a Pre Match stipulation, Bill Carr now has to leave HOH.
-- Chris Hero vs. Tony Nese: Hero countered a hurricanrana and hit a Piledriver on Nese to score the pinfall.
-- Brian Myers and Swoggle vs. The Underground Luchador and Mascarita Dorada: The Underground Luchador wrestled in a black mask and wore a Lucha Underground shirt. He finally took off the mask and revealed himself as Lucha Underground's own Matt Striker. Dorada went for a springboard, but ate a Myers superkick on the landing, allowing Myers to score the pinfall.
- Brian Myers cuts a promo. Myers thanks all the fans for standing by his side. Myers then turns on the fans and tells them to kiss his ass because he's going up north to become rich, become Triple H's best friend and won't have to deal with HOH anymore. Swoggle turns heel too and asks Myers to take him up there too. Ryback, now going by The Ryback interrupts, hits a Meat Hook on Myers and Shell Shock on Swoggle.
-- Ricochet vs. Sami Callihan: Ricochet hits an Ace Crusher, the Benedryller and a 650 senton on Callihan to score the pinfall. After the match, Ricochet and Callihan shake hands, but then Callihan grabs Ricochet and kisses him. Ricochet is disgusted by those actions.
-- Broken Matt Hardy vs. Tommy Dreamer: Dreamer goes for a top rope move, but Vanguard One flies out and distracts Dreamer. Hardy drops Dreamer on a ladder, but former ECW announcer Joey Styles runs out and yells his trademark saying "Oh My God" at Hardy for distraction. Reby Sky low blows Dreamer, which brings out Dreamer's wife Beulah. Reby and Beulah cat fight on the mat. Dreamer gives Reby a Piledriver. Hardy calls upon the 7 Deities and grabs a gas can, but Styles stops him by grabbing it away. Raven hits the ring and DDT's Dreamer. The Sandman hits the ring to his old Metallica entrance and canes Hardy and The Scribe with his Singapore Cane. All the chaos dies down finally and Matt Hardy scores the pinfall, by throwing firecrackers in Dreamer's face and hitting the Twist Of Hate with a chair around Dreamer's neck. After the match, Hardy pours gas on Dreamer and is about to light Dreamer on fire, but Bubba Ray Dudley hits the ring and makes the save.
-- Bubba Ray Dudley cuts a promo. Bubba says he wasn't visiting to get involved, but wasn't going to let Hardy set Dreamer on fire. Bubba asks Hardy how would he like it if he puts Dixie Carter through a table again, or maybe put his wife and son through a table, or maybe burn down his house in Cameron, North Carolina. Bubba says his options are open now, maybe he'll just return and burn down the TNA Impact Zone. Bubba closes out the show by hyping Dreamer vs. Hardy in a Steel Cage Match at the next HOH event.
*** Big Time Wrestling ***
This past Thursday night I was honored to be able to attend another meet and greet in Morganton, North Carolina. I have said time and time again in the past that there is nothing better than going to an independent wrestling show, they are so much fun. During the meet and greet, the first wrestler I went to was the one and only 16 time World Champion Ric Flair. Granted I did have to pay $75 to be in this man's presence, but it was still a great feeling sitting next to the man, giving my thanks, getting a signed autograph and a picture to always have.
After Flair I headed over to meet another legend...Ricky The Dragon Steamboat. What a class act, Steamboat spoke to every single person whether they wanted a picture, an autograph or just wanted to talk to the legend and shake his hand. I got a picture with Steamboat and was able to hold the Big Gold Belt in the picture. Sitting next to Steamboat was another man that had his career sadly cut short, Magnum TA. I felt bad for Magnum as he sat there still with a knee brace on from the car accident that cost him his career in the 80's. I shook Magnum's hand and thanked him.
I next headed over to chat with one half of the rock and roll legends, The Rock And Roll Express' Ricky Morton. Another classy guy that talked to every single person that walked up to his table. I shook his hand and gave him my fond memories of the Rock And Roll/Midnight Express feuds of the 80's.
I spotted TNA's Trevor Lee next and shook his hand as I made my way over to the last wrestler on my "Get A Picture With" list...Cody Rhodes. What a very classy and nice guy! I got a personalized autograph with my name on it and a picture. I tried to get out of him where he was headed next, which he responded "you'll have to wait and see" with a smile. Later that night I learned TNA announced the future arrival of Cody with the company in October.
There was some great independent talent on the card that I was blown away by and some goofy gimmicks too. One wrestler named Cousin Larry, dressed in flannel, a blue one piece suspender outfit and came out to Black Sabbath's The Wizard. A couple dressed in neon green, with arm and leg band streamers that kinda reminded me of something The Rockers would've worn caught my eye. They went by The Neon Ninjas (Facade and Dani) and came out to the Go Ninja Go song from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Big Time Wrestling World Champion went by the name Flex Armstrong. If you were to take Chris Masters and mix him with Ryback and Scott Steiner and give him perfect mic skills that would give you Flex in my opinion. Flex talked alot of trash and took time to do mid promo and match push ups.
After it was all said and done, I had a great time. With my current work schedule coming up with me actually getting a day time job and not be on third shift anymore, I'm planning on hitting more meet and greets as they are always going on in North and South Carolina.
*** W3C Wrestler Of The Week ***
This week's Wrestler Of The Week goes to former WWE and current AAA and Lucha Underground wrestler Johnny Mundo (John Morrison)
- AAA Latin American Champion (1 time)
- Lucha Libre World Cup Winner (2016 Men's Division) – with Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Brian Cage
- Lucha Underground Champion (1 time)
- Lucha Underground Gift of the Gods Champion (1 time)
- Lucha Underground Trios Champion (1 time) – with Jack Evans and PJ Black
- ECW World Champion (1 time)
- WWE Intercontinental Champion (3 times)
- WWE World Tag Team Champion (1 time) – with The Miz
- WWE Smackdown World Tag Team Champion (4 times) – with Joey Mercury (3) and The Miz (1)
- Tough Enough Season 3 Winner with Matt Cappotelli
- WWE Slammy Award Winner (2 times)
Tag Team of the Year (2008) – with The Miz and Best WWE.com Exclusive (2008) – with The Miz
Johnny Mundo was trained by Bill DeMott, Al Snow and Ivory who were the original three trainers from the old Tough Enough show. Mundo has also won many titles in the independent promotions and is still high on WWE's radar to return to the company in the future. Mundo, as Johnny Nitro was well known in the WWE teaming with Joey Mercury and real life girlfriend Melina in their MNM faction. Nitro switched his name to John Morrison when he debuted in ECW and went with a gimmick that resembled The Doors' lead singer Jim Morrison. Morrison also had great success teaming with The Miz and running with a Hollywood team style gimmick.
- John Morrison and The Miz vs. Degeneration X:
- Johnny Mundo vs. Alberto El Patron:
- Top 12 Johnny Mundo Moves:
And that's this week's W3C! Join me every Sunday afternoon as I bring you news, recaps and rumors all around the wrestling world!
